Multimedia training system and apparatus

Abstract

A training system that provides web-based distribution, centralized control of pedagogy consistency and content customization, and efficient and economical resource utilization via group oriented training in which a plurality of trainees can be trained without the overhead of providing each trainee with an individual PC. Because the proven education delivery method includes entertaining situational modeling videos, game playing, and a high degree of interactivity, it assures high trainee comprehension with a minimum investment in hardware and instructor overhead.

Description

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If any trainee answers a question incorrectly, the entire class will participate in a feedback/remediation loop that restates the tutorial in a different manner and presents another question. If the trainee(s) answer correctly, the program continues. If the trainee(s) answer the question incorrectly, the second remedial tutorial is presented. If failure again occurs, an incomplete is recorded, and the lesson is resumed. The trainee(s) who missed the question(s) is then marked as incomplete and must retake the module.

Kinetic exercises, at user discretion, are initiated at 17. The exercises can be as simple as deep-breathing for relaxation, or more complicated if lesson reinforcement is needed. For example, one optional exercise is the creation of a household budget using fake money supplied by the facilitator.

A module ends with a fast-paced, entertaining game in which the winner is declared based on the first to answer the most Yes/No or True/False questions correctly. No score is reported in the game section, and the session ends with a video that demonstrates how beneficial results can come from real-life situations in which the participants have assimilated the competencies taught in the training session. At 18, for each successful trainee, completion of the training module is recorded in the SISTEM database.

FIG. 2 charts the SISTEM data flow and exchange 200. The LMC 99 is the subscriber database, and houses, among other features, the student table 20, the training activity table 21, and the student validation table 22. These three tables interact directly with the SISTEM application. Updates to the student table and compilations of student demographic information are transmitted to the SISTEM application via a secure Internet communication link, resulting in either the addition or deletion of student names from the SISTEM enrollment menu. The LMC houses a documented record of competency for all training courses attempted by an individual.

Subscribers may access the LMC via portal 32. With authorized access they may add and delete trainee names, validate trainees, track a trainee's training activity, create training courses, and create reports. The LMC features include the subscriber database, student demographic information, training logs, and new student validation queue. Also residing in the LMC are course creation and report generation functions.

Before training sessions begin, the LMC and subscriber databases are synchronized at 23. Here, course listings are updated, new trainees added, and inactive trainees deleted. In the synchronization process, trainees or students are enrolled in appropriate courses at 24, 25, and 26. SISTEM software defines new students at 27 and 28, and a facilitator then conducts a training session at 29. The training activity, its results, and information about any new trainees are uploaded to the records kept in the LMC at 30 and 31.

When training is conducted, the training results for each trainee and basic registration information for students not listed on the enrollment menu are automatically and securely transmitted to the LMC for processing. This process is contingent upon an active Internet connection having been detected by SISTEM. If an Internet connection is temporarily unavailable, data will be held locally in a queue until connectivity has been established.

All reports and records are available from the LMC, but only through password-protected access. No records can be altered by any employee, trainee, or supervisor. Only the Director with authority over the LMC can make such alterations.

SISTEM has two different modes, Administration and Instruction. The Administration Mode has functional and navigation capabilities that are not available in the Instruction Mode. The Instruction Mode has a linear path navigation capability that does not allow a return to previous pages or the skipping of sections. The Administration Mode offers the freedom to navigate with a mouse and keyboard, and allows the facilitator to synchronize databases, enable and disable rhetorical questions, enable and disable games, change administrator passwords, and send email.

SISTEM contains a general Help feature that provides information about SISTEM functions, operation, and the software's navigation icons. SISTEM also includes a link to Social Services information that permits a facilitator to access contacts and basic social support information for various recurring employee issues such as child care, transportation, and finances. The social services link is available, even when there is not a training session active, to enable all employees access to social support services.

The SISTEM video window varies in size relative to the content of any particular training module. A video does not take over the entire viewing screen; instead, it leaves room for trainee instructions and responses. Stimulating and entertaining video windows animate into and out of the viewing screen when appropriate.

Upon startup, SISTEM is the only software application visible to the viewer. Windows remains in the background, and any keyboard or on-screen access is denied. This minimizes trainee distraction during a training session. The main menu appears immediately after the startup sequence and log-on. The Main Menu offers English or Spanish language, course selection, enrollment, and course launch.

All training records are accessed through a clean and non-threatening interface. The records can be accessed via a variety of categorical sorts including: Trainee Name, Completion Status by Course, Completion Status by Student, and Overall Progress Report.

SISTEM architecture is modular, and each course is based on the same pedagogical template. The templates keep the art, video, and audio files in folders accessible only to the LMC Director. The LMC Director may modify or update SISTEM application one file at a time or en masse via Internet connectivity.

The minimum hardware requirements for implementation of the present invention in the Windows environment are the following:

• • Dell Optiplex SX280 PC and E171FP 17″ Flat Panel Monitor (or comparable)
  • Pentium 4 Processor at 2.2 GHz
  • 2 GB Hard Drive
  • 512 MB Memory
  • Multimedia Quality Graphics Card
  • 10/100 Ethernet Network Card and/or 56 Kbs modem
  • 56 Kbs Internal Modem
  • Windows XP Home operating system
  • Apple QuickTime Viewer, Version 6.5.2
  • Remote Control Device such as those from DM Sourcing

A remote (client) computer is equipped with an external IR receiver or RF transmitter/receiver and a series of remote control transmitters, all of which are uniquely numbered and feature multiple buttons. The e-learning host is configured to permit testing that is capable of accepting a number of possibly different answers from each clicker. The client computer requires a helper application such as Active-X control for collection and transmission to the web-based training application each clicker response selected by each member of the group of remote trainees. Successful registration of a response and/or correct and incorrect responses can be displayed if desired.

Web-based SISTEM requires that a small client side application be installed on the designated local training PC. This application manages the interactive responses from the trainee clickers to the IR or RF receiver and to the host server. Client side hardware requirements consist of USB supported PCs for an IR/RF receiver and the desired number of clickers. The only proprietary software required at a training site to run web-based SISTEM is a small client application to manage the interaction between the IR or RF receiver and the clickers and to transmit those responses to the web-based SISTEM application.

FIG. 3 depicts three hardware embodiments of the present invention. Web-based SISTEM training is delivered over an Internet connection to one or a plurality of trainees simultaneously, to one or multiple distributed sites, and to multiple groups of trainees simultaneously, with equal ease. SISTEM client software may be installed on a PC 300 that is equipped with a serial or USB IR or RF receiver 98 and is connected to a host server LMC. One or a plurality of trainees interacts with PC 300 via individual clickers. Core SISTEM software may also be installed on the same or a similar PC 400 equipped with an IR or RF receiver 98 supporting multiple clickers. Training courses may then be licensed and downloaded to the PC 300. Also, an all-in-one portable hardware device 500 with integrated IR or RF receiver, hard drive, and SISTEM software may be connected via a USB or wireless port in a PC that supports video.

SISTEM is capable of integration with known programs for managing learning experiences. For example, COURSE INSITE can be integrated with SISTEM for synchronized bi-directional data flow. One embodiment of the present invention incorporates the commonly understood concept of Just in Time Training™. All features of the SISTEM training system can be delivered on demand at the point of need so that critical training can be accomplished immediately when and where it is needed.

Another embodiment of the present invention integrates the SISTEM training system into specific pieces of equipment. For example, a monitor and keyboard or touch screen built into an oven, meat slicer, or walk-in cooler could deliver on demand SISTEM training and maintenance tutorials tailored specifically for that particular equipment. Interactive signage on equipment or in or close to various work areas could also deliver emergency instructions.

Another embodiment of the present invention uses the same concepts described above, but targets the military. Armed forces face many of the same trainee problems that are faced by civilian industries, plus some unique problems such as the necessity for safe operation of weapons, possibly while under fire. All of the SISTEM training concepts, including Just in Time Training and equipment-integrated training can be successfully applied to military situations.

It will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention provides a training system that offers web-based distribution, centralized control of pedagogy consistency, and efficient and economical resource utilization via group oriented training in which a plurality of trainees can be trained without the overhead of providing each trainee with an individual PC. It is understood that the forms of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples and that the invention is limited only by the language of the claims. While the present invention has been described in terms of one preferred embodiment and a few variations thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that form and detail modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for providing interactive training, said system comprising:

a computer;

a video display in communication with said computer;

a receiver in communication with said computer;

a plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters for communicating with said receiver, each of said plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters being operable by a respective one of a group of trainees; and

wherein each wireless handheld one-way transmitter has an identification code unique from the other wireless handheld one-way transmitters;

wherein said computer includes a computer program comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium coupled to said computer, the medium having an executable computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program includes:

computer program code for presenting in an audio/video format a portrayal of a set of circumstances designed to convey a message;

computer program code for presenting one or more interactive questions relating to said set of circumstances in said audio/video format;

computer program code for interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter a first response to said one or more questions, said first response comprising an answer;

computer program code for detecting and discarding corrupt answers from the plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters;

computer program code for determining a group success rate by comparing said first responses to a predetermined template; and

computer program code for determining whether said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate;

wherein, upon a determination that said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate, computer program code for:

(i) presenting additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(ii) presenting one or more additional interactive questions relating to said additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(iii) interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter an additional response to said one or more additional interactive questions, and

(iv) determining a new group success rate by comparing said additional responses to a predetermined template associated with the additional responses; and

computer program code for repeatedly performing steps (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) until the new group success rate achieves at least the desired success rate.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer is configured for simultaneous wireless communication with the plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for presenting an interactive competitive game on said video display.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said video display and said receiver are located at one or more sites remote from said computer.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters comprises at least five handheld one-way transmitters.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said receiver is coupled with said computer via the Internet for facilitating communication between said receiver and said computer.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said computer and said video display are capable of presenting in an audio/video format a portrayal of a set of circumstances.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said computer and said video display are capable of presenting one or more interactive questions relating to said set of circumstances in said audio/video format.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter a first response to said questions.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for generating a comparison between said first response and a predetermined template.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter a second response.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for repeatedly, for a predetermined number of times, comparing said first and second responses from said trainee to said predetermined template until a said response matches said template, said computer program at the conclusion of said predetermined number of comparisons further comprising computer program code for labeling said responses as final responses.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said computer program further comprises computer program code for storing said final responses so as to maintain data related to each wireless handheld one-way transmitter.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein said desired group success rate means that no trainee answers a question incorrectly.

15. A method for providing interactive training, said method comprising steps, performed by a computer coupled to a video display and a receiver, of:

presenting in an audio/video format a portrayal of a set of circumstances designed to convey a message;

presenting one or more interactive questions relating to said set of circumstances in said audio/video format;

interactively accepting from each of a plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters a first response to said one or more questions, said first response comprising an answer, each of said wireless handheld one-way transmitters being configured for communicating with said receiver and further having an identification code unique from the other wireless handheld one-way transmitters, each of said plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters further being operable by a respective one of a group of trainees;

detecting and discarding corrupt answers from the plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters;

determining a group success rate by comparing said first responses to a predetermined template;

determining whether said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate;

wherein, upon a determination that said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate:

(i) presenting additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(ii) presenting one or more additional interactive questions relating to said additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(iii) interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter an additional response to said one or more additional interactive questions, and

(iv) determining a new group success rate by comparing said additional responses to a predetermined template associated with the additional responses;

repeatedly performing steps (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) until the new group success rate achieves at least the desired success rate.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said computer is configured for simultaneous wireless communication with the plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters.

17. The method of claim 15 a step performed by the computer of presenting an interactive competitive game on said video display.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said video display and said receiver are located at one or more sites remote from said computer.

19. The method of claim 15 wherein said plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters comprises at least five handheld one-way transmitters.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein said receiver is coupled with said computer via the Internet for facilitating communication between said receiver and said computer.

21. The method of claim 15 wherein said desired group success rate means that no trainee answers a question incorrectly.

22. A system for providing interactive training, said system comprising:

a computer;

a video display in communication with said computer;

a receiver in communication with said computer;

a plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters for communicating with said receiver, each of said plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters being operable by a respective one of a group of trainees; and

wherein each wireless handheld one-way transmitter has an identification code unique from the other wireless handheld one-way transmitters;

wherein said computer includes a computer program comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium coupled to said computer, the medium having an executable computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program includes:

computer program code for presenting in an audio/video format a portrayal of a set of circumstances designed to convey a message;

computer program code for presenting one or more interactive questions relating to said set of circumstances in said audio/video format;

computer program code for interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter a first response to said one or more questions, said first response comprising an answer;

computer program code for detecting and discarding corrupt answers from the plurality of wireless handheld one-way transmitters;

computer program code for determining a group success rate by comparing said first responses to a predetermined template; and

computer program code for determining whether said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate;

upon a determination that said group success rate is less than a desired group success rate, computer program code for:

(i) presenting additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(ii) presenting one or more additional interactive questions relating to said additional tutorials to said entire group of trainees simultaneously,

(iii) interactively accepting from each wireless handheld one-way transmitter an additional response to said one or more additional interactive questions, and

(iv) determining, by comparing said additional responses to a predetermined template associated with the additional responses, whether at least one of said first responses from all of said wireless handheld one-way transmitters is incorrect; and

computer program code for repeating steps (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) until it is determined that none of said first responses from all of said wireless handheld one-way transmitters is incorrect.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein said desired group success rate means that no trainee answers a question incorrectly.